Bastide Des Guendons

About this property

Imagine being surrounded by lavender, olive trees and idyllic landscapes of Provence whilst also being within walking distance to one of the Luberon’s prettiest villages. How wonderful to experience Bastide Des Guendons' characterful interiors, Provençal garden and glorious swimming pool, just outside the hilltop village of Ménerbes.

Pass vines and olive trees as you approach the beautiful bastide along its driveway – this is such an enchanting setting and the views towards hilltop Ménerbes are simply magical. Step inside and be charmed by its welcoming ambience – the bastide has been renovated sensitively with great attention to detail using natural materials and traditional methods.

Hosting up to 10 guests, there is plenty of space to relax downstairs whether sitting by the fireplace in the lounge, preparing family meals in the well-equipped kitchen or reading in the light-filled summer room. There are five bedrooms upstairs, four with an en suite bathroom, including a spacious master double with a mezzanine level. Bedrooms are so pretty with simple furnishings, tiled floors and other characterful features. Peep out of the traditional windows for lovely garden or countryside views.

Surrounded by old stone walls, the one-hectare garden is filled with the sights and scents of Provence – lavender, fig trees, cypresses, oaks, pines and olive trees. There are several terraces for your morning coffee or quiet moments of contemplation as well as opportunities for al-fresco dining. The large swimming pool has an attractive terrace and the little pool house has a useful shower and WC.

It's around a 20-minute walk along the country roads up to hilltop Ménerbes, classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. One of the Luberon’s iconic perched villages, stroll along the cobbled lanes with a small handful of café-bars and restaurants (some with terraces and a view), admire old houses and flower-filled balconies and don’t miss the lovely Provençal market on a Thursday morning. From the edge of the village the scenery of vineyards, orchards and the Luberon hills is beautiful.

Gordes, Bonnieux and Roussillon are just some of the other famous villages of the region or spend time discovering hiking trails, cycling routes and wine-tasting at nearby châteaux. Beyond the Luberon, explore the landscapes of Les Alpilles (from Saint-Rémy to Arles), the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Avignon and the artistic charm of Aix-en-Provence before returning to the tranquillity of your Provençal bastide. 

Bastide Des Guendons enjoys an attractive setting surrounded by typical Provençal landscapes, only 1km from Ménerbes, classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Both Marseille Airport (74km) and Avignon Airport (30km) are within an hour by car or take the direct train service from Paris to Gare d’Avignon TGV (40km).

Following the country roads (no pavements as is typical in rural France), it’s around 20-minute walk to the hilltop village of Ménerbes, made famous by Peter Mayle’s novel and film ‘A Year in Provence’. In the village itself, there is a small handful of cafes/restaurants (some with terraces and views), a small grocery shop and boulangerie and a Provençal market on a Thursday morning - discover seasonal delights such as melons, strawberries, cherries, olives and cheese alongside fabrics and crafts. The village is also loved for its truffles and wine – tastings can be arranged at nearby vineyards and wineries.

There are so many other picture-perfect villages across the Luberon to visit from Gordes (10km) and red-hued Roussillon (15km) to perched Oppède le Vieux (8km) and Bonnieux (11km), all surrounded by idyllic scenery of vineyards, orchards and forest ideal for hiking and cycling. The Luberon town of Apt (19km) hosts a wonderful market on a Saturday morning, the largest in the region. Keen gastronomes may also appreciate the food shops and Sunday morning Farmer’s market in nearby Coustellet (9km), also home to the Lavender Museum.

Beyond the Luberon, you are well located for visiting the waterways and antique stores of charming L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (18km), famed for its Sunday morning market and brocante, as well as experiencing the beauty of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (18km), a paradise for keen hikers and canoeing/kayaking enthusiasts.

A little further afield, visit the art galleries of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, follow Van Gogh’s footsteps in Arles (65km), admire the unesco World Heritage sites of Avignon (38km) or spend the day soaking up the romance of Aix-en-Provence (63km), just over an hour from Ménerbes and your beautiful holiday home.

Accommodation

Bastide Interiors

Main Floor

-    Living room with fireplace
-    Well-equipped kitchen, fireplace and breakfast table
-    Dining room
-    Conservatory-style room with doors leading to garden

Upstairs (via open-sided stairs)

-    Master bedroom with double bed, mezzanine level (via steep ladder-style stairs) and en suite bathroom with bath, shower and WC
-    Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom
-    Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom
-    Bedroom with two single beds and en suite bathroom
-    Bedroom with double bed

Outside Grounds (one hectare)

-    Large swimming pool (15x6m) with safety alarm and electric cover. Can be heated (for a supplement) in April, May, September and October 
-    Pool house with indoor shower and WC
-    Several terraces and seating areas
-    Landscaped Provençal garden and mature trees
-    Parking

Other Facilities

-    Laundry facilities